Interdental Brush with Antiseptic Dental Solution

ABSTRACT

An interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution includes a storage pod, an elongated handle, an internal flow system, and a plurality of brush sets. The plurality of brush sets is connected around the elongated handle as the elongated handle is in fluid communication with the storage pod through the internal flow system. The antiseptic dental solution that is stored within the storage pod dispenses into the plurality of brush sets through the internal flow system upon user&#39;s discretion so that the brushing process of the interdental brush between the teeth is physically able to dislodge plaque biofilm and food.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/862,331 filed on Aug. 5, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to dental accessories, particularly those used in periodontal care. More specifically, the present invention is an interdental brush with an internal flow system for antiseptic dental solution that is stored within a storage pod.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Periodontal care can be considered one of the most important fields of dentistry. This is due to the fact that periodontology focuses on the periodontium, the supporting tissues of the teeth including the alveolar bone, cementum, gingiva, and periodontal ligament. Diseases and conditions of the periodontium are often more complex than issues that primarily affect the teeth themselves. As such, it is imperative that proper daily periodontal care habits be practiced. Improper and/or insufficient periodontal care can result in the accumulation of bacterial plaque biofilm leading to subsequent diseases of the periodontium supporting the teeth such as gingivitis and periodontitis. These diseases can cause alveolar bone loss, tooth loss, and a multitude of additional problems if left untreated. In addition to normal brushing and flossing, dentists recommend utilizing accessories such as dental floss and mouthwash to remove dental plaque biofilm forms between teeth and below the gum line. Another effective dental accessory is the interdental pick, a thin device that is inserted between teeth to dislodge food and plaque biofilm as well as massage the gums. The present invention seeks to enhance and improve upon currently existing means of maintaining overall dental health and in particular, periodontal health.

The present invention is an interdental brush that features antiseptic dental solution stored within a storage pod located at one end of the brush. The storage pod releases dental solution into an internal flow system within the interdental brush. A plurality of opening sets present along the length of the brush allows the dental solution to excrete from the interior of the brush onto the bristles. The dental solution is released by squeezing the storage pod, causing the dental solution to exit the storage pod and distribute through the plurality of opening sets along the length of the brush. This may be done while the user is utilizing the brush in the normal manner by sliding the brush between the teeth to physically dislodge plaque biofilm and food. The dental solution comes into contact with the bristles and the user's teeth as the user brushes, providing an additional cleaning effect. After the user has completed brushing, the dental solution may be spat out.

The object of the present invention is to enhance and improve upon current methods of maintaining periodontal hygiene habits, particularly when removing plaque biofilm and food between the teeth. The present invention provides users with simultaneous mechanical and chemical cleaning of the teeth for a more thorough effect. The dental solution works in conjunction with the interdental brush to kill plaque that can cause tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath. The interdental brush may be used after the dental solution within the pod has been expended if the bristles have not become too worn. The interdental brush is disposable and may be discarded after the dental solution has been expended and the bristles have become too worn. When used properly and regularly, the present invention is an effective supplement to other conventional oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective internal view of the present invention without the plurality of brush sets, wherein the broken lines showing the inner compartment and the internal flow system.

FIG. 5 is a side internal view of the present invention without the plurality of brush sets, showing the in fluid communication between the main channel and the plurality of openings.

FIG. 6 is a front internal view of the present invention without the plurality of brush sets.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is an interdental brush that provides mechanical cleaning as well as chemical cleaning in the form of an antiseptic dental solution. As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention comprises a storage pod 1, an elongated handle 3, an internal flow system 6, and a plurality of brush sets 10. In reference to the general configuration of the present invention, the storage pod 1 is connected with the elongated handle 3 from an end, and the plurality of brush sets 10 is perimetrically connected around the elongated handle 3 opposite of the storage pod 1. The antiseptic dental solution is stored within the storage pod 1 and can be released at the user's discretion during the brushing process as the storage pod 1 and the elongated handle 3 are in fluid communication with each other through the internal flow system 6.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the storage pod 1 comprises an inner compartment 2 as the hollow interior space of the storage pod 1 forms the inner compartment 2. The inner compartment 2 is normally filled with the antiseptic dental solution so that the antiseptic dental solution can be easily dispensed into the internal flow system 6 by squeezing the storage pod 1. As a result, the storage pod 1 is made from soft, elastic, and flexible material so that a user of the present invention is able to squeeze out the antiseptic dental solution with a small amount of pressure. For example, the user can easily dispense the antiseptic dental solution by utilizing two fingers and applying pressure. Even though the storage pod 1 is preferably formed into a bulb-shaped, the storage pod 1 of the present invention can include, but is not limited to, any other type of geometric and organic shapes.

In reference to FIGS. 4 and FIG. 5, the elongated handle 3 functions as the base member for the storage pod 1 and the plurality of brush sets 10. In addition to the storage pod 1 and the plurality of brush sets 10, the elongated handle 3 also utilities the internal flow system 6 within. The elongated handle 3 comprises a proximal portion 4 and a distal portion 5, where the proximal portion 4 and the distal portion 5 are oppositely positioned from each other along the elongated handle 3. The elongated handle 3 is made from rigid material so that the elongated handle 3 is able to withstand the pressure applied during the brushing process. The proximal portion 4 is connected with the storage pod 1 in such a way that the distal portion 5 is oppositely positioned from the storage pod 1 along the elongated handle 3. The elongated handle 3 is of a sufficient length that a user may comfortably utilize the elongated handle 3 to physically dislodge plaque biofilm and food between the teeth. The elongated handle 3 is of a sufficient thickness such that the elongated handle 3 may comfortably slot into the narrow spacing present between teeth.

In reference to FIGS. 4 and FIG. 5, the internal flow system 6 that retrieves the antiseptic dental solution from the storage pod 1 comprises a main channel 7 and a plurality of vent systems 8. The main channel 7 is concentrically traversed into the distal portion 5 through the proximal portion 4, where the main channel 7 is in fluid communication with the inner compartment 2. The plurality of vent systems 8 is perimetrically positioned around the distal portion 5 and equally spaced along the distal portion 5. The plurality of vent systems 8 is in fluid communication with the main channel 7 throughout the elongated handle 3. More specifically, each of the plurality of vent systems 8 comprises a plurality of openings 9 so that the plurality of openings 9 is able to create multiple outlets within each of the plurality of vent systems 8. In order to complete the in fluid communication between the plurality of vent systems 8 and the main channel 7, the plurality of openings 9 is radially traversed into the main channel 7 through the distal portion 5. As a result, the internal flow system 6 is able to dispense the antiseptic dental solution from the inner compartment 2 to the exterior environment.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the plurality of brush sets 10 is perimetrically connected around the distal portion 5. More specifically, the plurality of brush sets 10 is arranged around the circumference of the distal portion 5 and along the length of the distal portion 5 in such a way that the plurality of brush sets 10 is interspaced between each of the plurality of vent systems 8 at equal intervals with a small amount of space located between each of the plurality of vent systems 8. Additionally, each of the plurality of brush sets 10 comprises a plurality of bristles 11 that is radially positioned around the distal portion 5. Similar to the conventional toothbrushes and other interdental brushes/picks, the plurality of bristles 11 may vary in terms of hardness. For example, various embodiments of the present invention may be available featuring soft, medium, and hard bristles 11 based on user preferences.

A user may dispense the antiseptic dental solution from the storage pod 1 and into the internal flow system 6 of the present invention. Squeezing of the storage pod 1 causes the antiseptic dental solution to exit the storage pod 1 and enter the main channel 7 of the internal flow system 6. The antiseptic dental solution then travels along the main channel 7 and exits the internal flow system 6 through the plurality of vent systems 8. More specifically, the antiseptic dental solution exits through the plurality of openings 9 that is located along the length of the distal portion 5. The antiseptic dental solution is preferably in gel form to prevent immediate wastage upon expulsion from the plurality of openings 9.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of vent systems 8 is adjacently positioned with the proximal portion 4 as the plurality of openings 9 radially traverses into the main channel 7 through the distal portion 5. Additionally, the plurality of brush sets 10 is adjacently positioned with the plurality of vent systems 8 as the plurality of brush sets 10 arranges around and along the distal portion 5. In an another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the storage pod 1 can be removably attached with the elongated handle 3 from an end so that a user can easily attached and detach the storage pod 1 from the elongated handle 3.

The present invention is used by sliding the elongated handle 3 into the narrow spacing between teeth to physically dislodge plaque biofilm and food between the teeth. The storage pod 1 is squeezed at the user's discretion to dispense various quantities of antiseptic dental solution from the storage pod 1 onto the plurality of brush sets 10 as the user goes through the brushing process. As a result, the antiseptic dental solution kills plaque that causes tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath. The present invention may be used to provide solely mechanical cleaning after the antiseptic dental solution within the storage pod 1 has been expelled, providing that the plurality of bristles 11 has not become too worn. The present invention is easily disposable after the plurality of brush sets 10 has become unusable.

The object of the present invention is to provide simultaneous mechanical and chemical cleaning in order to better maintain periodontal hygiene as well as oral hygiene as a whole. When used properly and on a regular basis, the present invention serves as an effective supplement to other conventional practices such as brushing. The present invention enhances and improves upon existing dental accessories. In particular, interdental picks and brushes are already highly favored over conventional dental floss due to their superior ease of use and superior effectiveness in removing plaque biofilm and food lodged between teeth. The present invention incorporates the additional factor of chemical cleaning into the interdental brushes and picks to improve their effectiveness in periodontal hygiene.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution comprises: a storage pod; an elongated handle; an internal flow system; a plurality of brush sets; the storage pod comprises an inner compartment; the elongated handle comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion; the internal flow system comprises a main channel and a plurality of vent systems; the storage pod being connected with the elongated handle; the plurality of brush sets being perimetrically connected around the elongated handle opposite of the storage pod; and the storage pod and the elongated handle being in fluid communication with each other through the internal flow system.
 2. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the inner compartment being positioned within the storage pod, wherein the inner compartment stores an antiseptic dental solution; and the proximal portion and the distal portion being oppositely positioned from each other along the elongated handle.
 3. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the main channel concentrically traversing into the distal portion through the proximal portion; the plurality of vent systems being perimetrically positioned around the distal portion; the plurality of vent systems being equally positioned along the distal portion; and the plurality of vent systems being in fluid communication with the main channel.
 4. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 3 comprises: each of the plurality of vent systems comprises a plurality of openings; and the plurality of openings radially traversing into the main channel through distal portion.
 5. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the plurality of brush sets being perimetrically connected around the distal portion; and the plurality of brush sets being interspaced between each of the plurality of vent systems.
 6. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 5 comprises: each of the plurality of brush sets comprises a plurality of bristles; and the plurality of bristles being radially positioned around the distal portion.
 7. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the proximal portion being connected with the storage pod; and the main channel being in fluid communication with the inner compartment, wherein an antiseptic dental solution travels from the inner compartment to the plurality of brush sets through the main channel and the plurality of vent systems.
 8. An interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution comprises: a storage pod; an elongated handle; an internal flow system; a plurality of brush sets; the storage pod comprises an inner compartment; the elongated handle comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion; the internal flow system comprises a main channel and a plurality of vent systems; the inner compartment being positioned within the storage pod, wherein the inner compartment stores an antiseptic dental solution; the proximal portion and the distal portion being oppositely positioned from each other along the elongated handle; the proximal portion being connected with the storage pod; the plurality of brush sets being perimetrically connected around the elongated handle opposite of the storage pod; and the storage pod and the elongated handle being in fluid communication with each other through the internal flow system.
 9. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the main channel concentrically traversing into the distal portion through the proximal portion; the plurality of vent systems being perimetrically positioned around the distal portion; the plurality of vent systems being equally positioned along the distal portion; and the plurality of vent systems being in fluid communication with the main channel.
 10. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 9 comprises: each of the plurality of vent systems comprises a plurality of openings; and the plurality of openings radially traversing into the main channel through distal portion.
 11. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the plurality of brush sets being perimetrically connected around the distal portion; and the plurality of brush sets being interspaced between each of the plurality of vent systems.
 12. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 11 comprises: each of the plurality of brush sets comprises a plurality of bristles; and the plurality of bristles being radially positioned around the distal portion.
 13. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the main channel being in fluid communication with the inner compartment, wherein an antiseptic dental solution travels from the inner compartment to the plurality of brush sets through the main channel and the plurality of vent systems.
 14. An interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution comprises: a storage pod; an elongated handle; an internal flow system; a plurality of brush sets; the storage pod comprises an inner compartment; the elongated handle comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion; the internal flow system comprises a main channel and a plurality of vent systems; the inner compartment being positioned within the storage pod, wherein the inner compartment stores an antiseptic dental solution; the proximal portion and the distal portion being oppositely positioned from each other along the elongated handle; the proximal portion being connected with the storage pod; the plurality of brush sets being perimetrically connected around the elongated handle opposite of the storage pod; the storage pod and the elongated handle being in fluid communication with each other through the internal flow system; and the main channel being in fluid communication with the inner compartment, wherein an antiseptic dental solution travels from the inner compartment to the plurality of brush sets through the main channel and the plurality of vent systems.
 15. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 14 comprises: the main channel concentrically traversing into the distal portion through the proximal portion; the plurality of vent systems being perimetrically positioned around the distal portion; the plurality of vent systems being equally positioned along the distal portion; and the plurality of vent systems being in fluid communication with the main channel.
 16. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 15 comprises: each of the plurality of vent systems comprises a plurality of openings; and the plurality of openings radially traversing into the main channel through distal portion.
 17. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 14 comprises: the plurality of brush sets being perimetrically connected around the distal portion; and the plurality of brush sets being interspaced between each of the plurality of vent systems.
 18. The interdental brush with antiseptic dental solution as claimed in claim 17 comprises: each of the plurality of brush sets comprises a plurality of bristles; and the plurality of bristles being radially positioned around the distal portion. 